Ferry cafés close completely

West Coast ferry operator CalMac has announced that it is to cease its on-board food and drink and retail offering with immediate effect on all routes.

CalMac had this week stopped providing hot fresh food on board in response to the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic but has now gone a stage further.

All restaurants, coffee cabins, bars and shops on board the ferries will now close with immediate effect. It also includes the coffee shop at Ardrossan port.

Managing Director Robbie Drummond said: “The safety and health of our staff and customers is our absolute top priority and this move to stop having people queuing for food and drink and handing over foodstuffs is designed to protect them.

“We know that our food and drink offering on board is very popular and can be a vital part of the journey for many.

However, in light of global events there is now way we can justify continuing this and potentially putting the safety of passengers and staff at risk.

“I hope that our passengers understand the need to put these measures in place and promise that we will continually review them as the situation develops.”

CalMac’s decision also comes on top of Government instruction to close all restaurants, pubs and cafes across the whole of the UK.

Those travelling on CalMac ferries are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks to consume on board.